Thermally Modulated Solid-State Batteries for Ultra-Safe Fast-Charging Electric Vehicles

Heatable solid-state batteries (SSBs) have the potential to provide disruptively high energy density and enable ultra-safe fast charging in electric vehicles (EVs) during cold weather overcoming many of the consumer acceptance barriers hindering widespread adoption. With proper material and system optimization, they are expected to reach desired charging rates of 4C or higher with 90% capacity retention at ambient temperatures below -20 °C. But conventional thermal management/external heating systems are costly and add weight to EV battery packs negating any low-cost/high-energy-density advantages SSBs have to offer.

Therefore, to meet the challenges laid out by the EVs4ALL program, Ampcera is teaming up with FastLion Energy and the Ford Motor Company to develop a thermally modulated solid-state battery (TMSSB) that will enable the benefits of EVs to be enjoyed by all Americans. The TMSSB comprises FastLion Energy’s 30X heating technology which has a proven track record and was used in conventional lithium-ion batteries to power buses during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games (formally EC Power). The TMSSB comprises a high-capacity Si anode and a high-voltage Ni-rich NMC cathode enabling an energy density of ≥400 Wh/kg.

Combining the TMCT with a high ion conducting sulfide-based solid-state electrolyte enables charging rates of 4C (80% charge) to be achieved at ambient conditions. The TMCT also enables cold startup times of less than a minute at ambient temperatures of -20 °C making the TMSSB advantageous in cold climates.

Commercial Value: An integrated heating solution that enables cold weather operation and fast charging of solid-state batteries. Ampcera is securing licensing agreements for the 30X heating technology. Customer validation of solid-state battery technology by large U.S. automotive OEM.